Museum Educator I, Carnegie Museum of Natural History

Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh • Pittsburgh, PA

5d • Onsite

About The Position

Museum Educators lead instruction for informal learning programs and professional learning programs at Carnegie Museum of Natural History (CMNH). This position emphasizes relationship-building and requires prompt, friendly, accurate communication with program participants and coworkers. Weekend work may be required. Museum Educators are responsible for building relationships with youth and their adult care-givers for informal learning programs, and with peers for professional learning programs. All programs require active teamwork with museum staff and volunteers to deliver effective, engaging, and safe learning experiences. Museum Educators will give and receive constructive criticism with the goal of developing their pedagogy skills, continuously improving program quality and enhancing learning experiences. This will be supported through ongoing processes for program evaluation and professional development structured by CMNH. As a Museum Educator I, you will receive direct support from supervisors, managers, and peers to strengthen the competencies to consistently execute the principal accountabilities of the Museum Educator I role at a high level. Successful candidates will be able to commit to a schedule availability including 2 standard weekday shifts and 1 weekend shift each week.

Requirements

• Museum Educators are patient, caring individuals who have the knowledge and skills to foster welcoming, safe, social settings that help people explore nature and science and connect with one another.
• Museum Educators must be comfortable adapting their approaches in a dynamic setting to meet the needs of visitors and program participants.
• Candidates must have a Pennsylvania "C" Class Driver's License or equivalent from another state.
• High school diploma or equivalent is required.
• Demonstrated knowledge of age-appropriate content and pedagogy for a variety of audiences
• Demonstrated aptitude for creativity, curiosity, passion, enthusiasm, integrity, and a strong professional ethic
• Documented ability to contribute in team settings
• Passion for/interest in Science and Nature.
• The following PA Act 153 clearances, or proof of application of clearances, are required beginning employment and as a condition of continued employment: Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Record Check FBI Fingerprint Criminal Background Check Obtaining the required clearances is completed as part of the new hire process.

Nice To Haves

• Experience facilitating informal learning (community-based, outdoors, in museums, after-school programs, or similar settings) is preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree in sciences, humanities, social services, creative arts, education or related field.
• Educational certification is valued but not required.
• Documented experience working directly with stakeholders or parents.
• Cultural competency and experience working with diverse communities.
• Willingness to be open and respectful of all backgrounds.
• Fluency in language(s) other than English valued.

Responsibilities

• Leading instruction
• Working collaboratively with a team of educators, assistants, and volunteers to deliver effective, engaging, and safe learning experiences
• Applying knowledge of best-practices to create welcoming, age-appropriate spaces where participants feel cared for and are excited to learn about science, nature and one another.
• Designing and defining clear goals and creating opportunities for learners to receive feedback on progress towards goals
• Using a variety of strategies that engage diverse learners, including best practices for accessibility
• Preparing educational experiences
• With supervision and support, adapting lesson plans from existing resources
• Work collaboratively with teaching team to ensure that learning spaces and materials are appropriately prepared before each program and returned at the conclusion of each program
• Work collaboratively with teaching team to ensure that participants are greeted upon arrival and know what to do to get the program started
• For off-site programs, planning and preparation will include transportation of materials to the off-site location and their safe return to the museum.
• Supporting efforts to create a safe environment for all people, facilities, and natural resources
• Following established procedures for safety, security, custodial, visitor service, and maintenance procedures. This includes providing clear safety expectations for participants in the context of educational activities.
• Using appropriate procedures in emergency situations
• Using appropriate reporting procedures for incidents and unexpected situations
• Ensuring that educational activities demonstrate care for museum collections and exhibitions.
• Ensuring that negative environmental impacts of educational activities are minimized.
• Developing pedagogy skills through ongoing practice, reflection, and professional development structured by CMNH
• Attending CMNH Educator professional development meetings
• Observing, analyzing and co-teaching with fellow CMNH educators
• Other duties as assigned

Benefits

• Ongoing processes for program evaluation and professional development structured by CMNH
• Direct support from supervisors, managers, and peers to strengthen competencies

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED